Native Instruments S88 Mk2 Review. "Worthless."

[@RobLeahman]

Although this an old video now I purchased the same keyboard and had a couple of issues, but for me customer service was really good they called me on my phone and this issues were fixed in minutes and it has worked perfectly ever since so I am sorry you had a rough time with it.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Glad they have a better way to handle issues these days.

[@JustifiedHope]

GLAD I found your review. THANK YOU. I keep researching and keep getting the gut feeling not to get the NI keyboard that all these ads keep popping up for. Guess i gotta keep searching and decide at some point haha.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

It eventually worked, mate. Took a month to get it to work, though.

[@JustifiedHope]

@@stevesrecordingtips7247 I did watch the other video… I am running Mac from what I hear though the hardware side can become laggy and the keys become janky and loose. Have you had that experience?

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

@@JustifiedHope Yeah, nd that's not an issue with Native Instruments. Pretty easy fix. You able to Zoom? I can share screen and show you. Email me at: [e-mail]

[@vvndchme]

Didn’t hear any mention of this specifically, so if anyone else is having this issue, make sure the VST3 version of Kontakt is registered in Kontakt Komplete (preferences > plugins > manage). Maybe that’ll fix it.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Since this video, they've fixed their glitch. My main issue was that they really didn't listen to me when I kept explaining to them what their problem was.

[@vvndchme]

@@stevesrecordingtips7247 That makes total sense. The comment I found with that advice came a year after your video. I hate when glitches like that pull me away from making music for an unreasonable amount of time. For you it justified an entire video haha.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

@@vvndchme yeah. I understand glitches can happen. But, this studio needs to make sensible use of its time. The fact that they had weeks of re-installing the software before they'd escalate was just bad CS. I made sure not to mention I was a reviewer to see how a normal buyer would be dealt with. Turns out, they really didn't listen to me at all. They seem to follow a script, assuming the issues lie with the user. As of today, the S88 is central on my desk, and NI software is some of the best I've heard. They just need to adopt a model of putting out good products, then actually supporting them properly. Last I spoke to NI, they assured me they were taking steps towards that goal. But, you know companies say a lot of things and then who knows what actually happens?

[@vvndchme]

@@stevesrecordingtips7247 I really like that that’s how you did it. Glad it all eventually got resolved for you. New to your channel. Liking/subscribing.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

@@vvndchme welcome aboard, and thanks!

[@ziond7483]

I had that same problem too. I reinstalled the reaktor 6 factory library and all of reaktor 6 along with the Kontroller software and now it works

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Glad you got it to work! I did an update video after their high level tech fixed their problem, and it still works to this day.

[@ronaldcoleman9370]

Any update on your Native Instruments problem?? I'm looking to buy. Have they fixed that problem?

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Yes, look int links below the video for the updated review after they finally escalated the ticket and got it fixed.

[@pdppdp3854]

best option in terms of getting things fixed... buy a separate 1TB SSD reinstall the OS alongside all the sample libraries you need... install everything on the C: and test it!! then you eliminate all issues surrounding external Hdd installation problems... if you have the same issue from that point on... then this video clip is valid and the "worthless" title is justified

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

This issue was present when Komplete Kontrol and Kontakt were both installed on the C: drive. It was the same issue regardless of which drive they were installed on. Ultimately, everything now resides on a 1TB SSD as the H: drive. Regardless of NI's claims, there is no advantage to having their software on a particular drive. The issue was that their scanner in KK would detect Kontakt, allow it to be opened manually, but failed when opening from the browser that detected it in the first place. So, it's a software issue. It is supposedly being addressed.

[@nicolasarianos9731]

@@stevesrecordingtips7247 yes is software problem,i agree with you... I installed it on my drive C with 2Tb SSD , still I have the same problem...

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

@@nicolasarianos9731 They know of the issue. Customer support can help. Just ask for an escalation asap, after they request you reinstall and send them the diagnostic tool. Basically, they'll just keep doing that until you get escalated.

[@nicolasarianos9731]

@@stevesrecordingtips7247 thanks a lot

[@musikone1780]

If you buy Komplete Ultimate Collection, your going to need A LOT more than 1TB.

[@BlackJpeg]

What about buying studiologic Sl88 grand

[@Tokentools-weldersAu]

Thank You. I was considering this keyboard but your detailed and well explained review of the company response to your issue has sealed their fate and I will keep researching. I appreciate that you went to the effort to make this presentation.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

To be fair, it works now. It took a month, and was not easy to get it escalated to a technician who identified 3 problems caused by their shortcomings. I did an updated review video.

[@ElectricEddieDaus]

I have had no issues with "Komplete Kontrol-7" or "Kontakt-7" Ultimate Collectors Suite and Ableton Live 11 Suite. I have Native instruments on the "C" Drive and all of my Sounds, which consist of almost 300 Gig are located on my 6 Tb-External Hard Drive.... All works fine. Have you tried moving data from your "C" Drive to make room for and move Komplete Kontrol & Kontakt to the "C" Drive? If you try this, I bet you would not have any issues..... Good Luck 😎 ElectricEddie

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

As in the video, the issue was with their browser. The locations of the data were of zero consequence. They fixed it, and now it works. But, this video was really to highlight how inefficiently they handled the problem, not knowing I was a KZbin reviewer.

[@JayfkProductions876]

Having used A Komplete Kontrol A49 almost all of last year i wanted the S88 or S61, when my A49 got damaged I switched to an Akai Mpk 261 instead seems like I dodged a bullet

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Perhaps. I certainly can't recommend the S88.

[@DjProducerDanCole]

I think I may know what this is., There will be a index file somewhere for the associated libraries and how they respond for each program, Kontakt uses one called settings.cfg in the kontakt folder called userdata. if you open this file using notepad it contains all the library info for kontakt and you can edit locations of each library where it exists on your HD,. well for Komplete there will be the same indexing system and library system where it writes corresponding info how to access each instrument or library. you will need to find this file open it with notepad and manually correct what ever is incorrect.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

This was fixed by NI within a day of this video hitting. The problem was their browser, which they fixed and updated. I left this video up more to highlight their failure in customer support. I also put up an updated video after they fixed their problem.

[@daytekblue]

Ohh Man, I feel your pain...I have purchased the S49 MK3 and all is well, so far...Have you requested a RMA?

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

This was fixed almost immediately after they saw this review. They got me over to a tech who fixed the issue with their browser. There's an updated video showing that. I only left this review up because it shows that NI can really drop the ball on customer support. In my case, it took a bad review to wake them up and actually fix their problem.

[@daytekblue]

Phew! A happy ending…and I’m not American!!!

[@emteepeeess]

Thanks! You've saved me a bunch of money. I'm retired, and play this stuff as a hobby and, many many years ago I bought some NI/Kontakt stuff and had all sorts of problems. Installation seemed incredibly fussy, and once it had failed on first install, so many bits and pieces were left behind after uninstall that their suggestion was to completely reinstall the Windows OS! After getting nowhere, I ditched it all and went a different route - mind you, I had similar problems with IK Multimedia. At least that all seemed to work, until I upgraded my PC and IKM no longer recognises my licence. All of these were being used with basic MIDI keyboards - and I was looking for something better, and thought the S88 would fit the bill and about an hour ago I ordered one. However, watching your video, and with my previous experience, I've cancelled it.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Happy to help. We got it working, but it was a huge headache.

[@jaqb17]

is that Windows specific issue? does it work fine on MacOS?

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

The follow-up video, where they got it working after about a month of waiting for them to escalate my ticket, it gets revealed to me that their problem was indeed specific to Windows. That's not to say Mac users don't also have issues. They may or may not. But the specific problem I had was indeed a Windows-only problem.

[@jaqb17]

@@stevesrecordingtips7247 thanks! i guess then i will go with arturia`s keylab 88 after all

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

@@jaqb17 Aye, i can't recommend this for most users. I had kept my mouth shut that I was an online reviewer, to see how they treated normal people. After a month, I had had enough, lol. So, That's when I made this video. After releasing the review, my ticket was immediately escalated, and they were able to fix their problem. So, it works now.

[@trakdropmanager8801]

had similar strange setup experience in 2020 with the s49 MKII. Mostly worked, but with Logic there were a handful of buggy issues to get Komplete/NI plugins loaded on logig tracks to come up. Took like two weeks - no answers in forums, but ended up solution was remove all control surfaces in logic and install NI K first. Maybe bug with Mackie MCU. Still didn''t support Audio Units if I recall. So you've got to install all VST3 version of plugin for it to work. Love machine and the libraries, but ran into issues a lot. keyboard just sits in the corner now, but then again lots of other gear does too :p I wish maschine played back midi. Now they're removed Maschine integration sounds like too, felt like they were a good combo

[@galangel8287]

Thank you for this video e, I was considering getting it, and will continue looking for something else

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

I did get fixed by their team. It took a month. GL on your search!

[@relustelar7084]

So what was the problem?

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

They found an error in their browser. They fixed it.

[@jonv2911]

Hello Steve, thanks for your video. Reg. NI in general, I purchased a usb interface few years back, the Komplete Audio 6MII, low and behold! It was a Komplete mess, just didn’t work at all! After many support emails back and forth, they ended up sending me a brand new unit! They didn’t even want the flawed unit returned back.. so I kept it as a souvenir..😏. Anyway, I want to add a 88 note controller keyboard to my setup, the latest NI S 88 has received fine reviews but quite frankly I’m looking at Arturia Keylab 88, (I use Analog lab) it is obviously kind of “synth oriented”… wondering if you did any comparison with these two keyboards?

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

I didn't compare because I already had 2 other 88's in the studio. The allure of the Komplete was the integration with NI's software. And that's what failed. It did work as a basic controller, but it froze if I tried to load sounds into Kontakt. They did eventually fix it, and I put up an updated video showing that. But they failed to escalate my ticket until after I launched this video. They bumped me up immediately as soon as it went up. I only leave this video in place for documentary reasons. I wonder what would have happened if I had not made this video.

[@damianmcilroy]

Could it have possibly been a problem with the hardware on that specific keyboard? if its under warranty might have been worth getting a replacement to check that's not the problem!

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

As stated in this video, the problem was never about hardware. The S88 requires Komplete Kontrol to work properly. I found the issue for them, and it was in their software. It has since been fixed, and we have an updated video showing the fix from NI support. Thanks for offering some direction to fix this, though. It was not easy to troubleshoot it!

[@jeromekorse8495]

Hi I bought the S61 MKII with Logic on a mini M!. I was very happy with it the first days, then I red your review. Grrr.. What had I bought. Well, maybe you bought a mondaymorning keyboard, or it depends on Windows. Then, my S61 didn't work. Oh so it is true, it is wortless. I tried all things with and without Rosetta, etc, Then the solution: Remove the driver for Logc and install it again. All works! Even Arturia on Komplete Kontrol. And a few days ago, I tried it without Rosetta, and it works. So there is hope! Most important advice was to remove the driver for the S61 and install it again. Nowhere on internet I red this tips. For you advance, I hope!

[@fredflintstone1428]

I've watched half-way, could the keyboard just be faulty?

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

No, the keyboard was fine. The problem was with the Komplete Kontrol software that could not browse to any library from Kontakt, even though it was looking right at it. It's now "fixed" on my end, but many people still have issues until they update their software.

[@Adrian_au]

Can confirm, the latest Browser can see/scan everything (on ext. SSD as G:) & I can load anything via the 'Files' section. But any NI product NOT on C: WILL NOT show/load from the browser! I can see installed Spitfire Audio products on G: , but NOTHING from NI without going manually going through the 'Files' section. You've just saved me spending a bunch of money + time as I was about to drop $1.5k AUD on the S88 myself. I appreciate your sacrifice!

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Very sorry to hear this, Adrian. I did get the browser to work with files that were not on my C: drive, but it took a month of support and escalations. I guess the real question is, who has time for this?

[@cjayconrod]

I've had similar issues with the Kontakt browser, and I don't even own a NI midi controller.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Yup, the issues was never with the controller. It's that dumb browser. But, the S88 requires that browser to work, or it can't load sounds. So, that was the issue. It's fixed now, but what a 4-week nightmare with customer support to get it running!

[@whitneykelley3580]

Can you update the video description to include the link to the video with the fix? This video was one of the first that came up when searching for the instrument. Also, looked through your videos and am not sure which one has the fix? I could only find the one month later review that’s linked in the description. Thanks!!

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

The link to the updated video is, and has been, in the description. Unless you're asking how it got fixed? There's no video for that because there was an NI tech who took over my system and reconfigured something in their software to make it work. I have no idea what he did. Do you have this same issue?

[@tordivel3357]

@@stevesrecordingtips7247 So the problem was in YOUR system? OK...

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

The problem was in their software. Their tech identified the problem while he was controlling my system. So, he inserted a script to fix it, and they put that fix in a later update. @@tordivel3357

[@maxhighstein]

NI is a work in progress, for sure. There have been times when I've absolutely hated the company for their poor customer support and buggy software. Currently, they seem to have somewhat faster support, and things are working in my studio. But I actually think they should be giving out some kind of presents to people who have suffered with Komplete and the keyboards. I've seen NI know about bugs and not say anything until people complain -- it happened with their Studio Guitar series a few months ago. The other thing I'll say about the S88 is that the keyboard is physically not great to play. The Fatar action, while trying to emulate the escapement of an acoustic piano, feels leaden to me. I have a Yamaha C7, and there are things I can easily play on that that I can't manage to play at all on the S88. But I stick with it because I think the Komplete (14 ultimate) library is excellent, and the lighted keyboard really helps with key trigger instruments. Oh yeah, one other thing. Half the time I turn on the S88 I have to turn it off and on again for it to work properly. Hmm.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Ooo the C7 is a nice piano!

[@DavidRichardsDC]

It's sad how customer service has disappeared. I had a very similar problem with PreSonus and am sure their support is fake, it's just an algorithm that says the same thing over and over. I hated to hear that NI is the same. Thanks for the review, I'll buy an Arturia instead.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Well, they do respond quickly. They just don't seem to listen about the problem and assume your installation is corrupted. It did get fixed after a month or so.

[@madness8556]

Native Instruments lack of customer service is palpable and it's spread to Izotope whom N1 has recently bought out. I can't find an email contact form for Izotope anymore unlike the good old days when they were a smaller company that provided good customer service. Their product portal is absolute crap and I couldn't even access it because of its ridiculous software protection. Thankfully I've got everything working now but I now refuse to support large corporate companies who put profit way ahead of their so called customer service! Another company to avoid like the proverbial plague is IK Multimedia! You have been warned!

[@richardburton8684]

Did you by chance check the firmware on the hardware, as well as any firmware on Kontact?

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Aye. But, the issue was in the KK software. Since it's required software for that keyboard, the product was useless. We were able to show the problem when the keyboard was not even connected. Glad it's fixed now, after a month of research, and shoddy CS.

[@nicolasarianos9731]

I have exactly the same problem... I agree with you.

[@orenfisher8948]

That bites... The upside, folks are going to be saved a lot of money and aggravation by this video - shared to my FB page.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

I wish they'd just make it less "iffy."

[@fredflintstone1428]

After looking at your C drive, I would clone that drive to a new 1Tb SSD. Your computer will run TONS better. I ended up on your video as I'm about to buy an S88 MKII. I must say, that Native Instruments was a bit pants when I first bought Komplete Ultimate in 2017...but since then the new downloader seems to work fine now. I'll let you know how I get on with the S88 MKII.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

This has been a workaround that some people have tried with some success.

[@ScarrCrow]

@@stevesrecordingtips7247 recommend you to just go straight to a 2tb m.2nvme ssd, 200bucks well spent.

[@chasvox2]

I wish I had seen this BEFORE I bought mine. I should have just gone to the boat shop and bought an anchor. And BTW - I have been using computers since 1986 and MAC's since 1990...so it isn't like today was the day I was born.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

We did get it working, after a month of customer support from their website, forums, and finally a few tiers of support, and 4 re-installs. We linked the video below that shows how we did it, sort of.

[@chasvox2]

@@stevesrecordingtips7247 I don't see the link. However I am doing a "team" connection in the A.M. with Spitfire to get some of their libraries to function in KK. They all instantiate in Kontakt. It's been a mess...similar to yours.....

[@chasvox2]

@@stevesrecordingtips7247 OK. I see it now....thanks...

[@gonzaloluislabrada]

do the following. put in drive c the same file structure and just one nki file you mentioned you are able to load, then load it from the keyboard. if does work, all you nned to do is copy to your c drive, what you need to use. this coould a OS related issue because drive letters are not longer fixed like old times

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

It's already fixed. I linked the updated review below this one. And, no, it had nothing to do with the software being loaded on the C drive. The issue was with their browsing software. They eventually fixed it.

[@davidasher22]

Curious if anything has come of this issue? If not you should find a way to test it on a different computer and if it works, sell it. If it doesn’t work then you know it’s the keyboard side and not the computer side. I have the KK 88 Mk2 also but it works perfectly fine. I’m on Mac OS though. I’ve had my share of NI issues though. Especially with Maschine and M1 compatibility. I had the same type of issue actually but with Maschine 2 software and the Maschine controller. But I eventually figured it out. I’m now having issues with Battery4 not handling long samples. It’s been a couple weeks now back and fourth with customer service and nothing has changed. So I can relate somewhat. Yeah, but I’d try and sell it.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Yes, it took a month to fix. The second review is linked below this older video.

[@mikehess8730]

I love komplete 49 best instrument ever put my hands on but I have exact problem

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

They did fix it for me. It took a month.

[@billbradleymusic]

Not enough translators to keep up with customer service overseas. 🤔

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

I didn't speak to any translators. That could be very true in some languages, though.

[@JK-JRK]

It’s a “Mark” II, not “Mach” II…

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Important info, thanks.

[@skeller61]

Sorry you’re having such a bummer of an experience with NI. I put all my vsts and executables on the c:\ drive, and all my sample libraries on external ssds (Samsung). I have an S88 and haven’t experienced the problem you’re having. I do think that their software (Kontakt and Komplete Kontrol) could be better integrated. I don’t like that you have to run Kontakt inside KK in order to get the colored lights showing the key switches, for instance. I’m using mine to learn how to play the piano, as well as for music producing, and the feel of the weighted keys is very good. I don’t have any of the complaints that I heard about before I bit the bullet and ordered one. What I’m wondering is why your S88 browser isn’t finding the libraries that are clearly able to be used in the software itself. I don’t think you would have to reinstall the 2Tb, since it’s not the sample libraries that are causing the issue, it’s the configuration that links the sample libraries that is replicated on the S88. I understand your frustration; however, your way of coming to zero doesn’t make sense. In actuality, your purchase + time would amount to paying twice for an adequate keyboard without the functionality you need. I would think that ensuring the folder where Alicia’s Keys are is in both your KK and Kontrol scanned folders, rescanning them (which doesn’t take long), should work. Good luck.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

It works now, and there's an updated review. Their "reasoning" for the full re-installation was that they didn't like where the files were located, despite them being exactly where they told me to put them, and they wanted to try a new location. That reasoning, of course, is ridiculous. But, they won't escalate your ticket until you do this several times. The issue was in their browser function in KK. It could see Kontakt, because the paths were correct. They were always correct. The problem is, in some Windows builds, KK ignores what it can clearly see as the correct path.

[@skeller61]

@@stevesrecordingtips7247 OK, thanks for letting me know.

[@klovvin]

Delete the entire Native Instruments registry folder in regedit then install fresh. Sometimes that's needed to clean up weirdness. Simply uninstalling and reinstalling doesn't mean you'll have clean settings.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

This was fixed by NI. There's an updated review. The problem was in their browser, not my installation.

[@pageboy6155]

This saved me! I was going to buy an S88 mk2 today so I could see my key switches in the lower range of the keyboard. NI has been non functional and frustrating enough as it is, even though I like the software. But this problem? Not. You can buy a nice digital piano that sounds better than kontakt for $1200

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

They did get it working, after my review video hit, of course. I upgraded the keyboard to 2/5 stars.

[@onothingnesso7170]

Thanks for the honest review

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

It works now. It took a month for them to get me a tech to who understood why their software kept failing. I linked an updated video, after the fix if you want to hear what they said about it. I appreciate your comment!

[@onothingnesso7170]

@@stevesrecordingtips7247 Glad to hear! I’ve officially reached ‘analysis paralysis’. NI seems to tow the line of chaos while simultaneously offering the highest ceiling for music production in a semi walled environment.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

@@onothingnesso7170 Well said. My position at this point is that their software is amazing. Their sample libraries and synths and effects are badass. The issue they are aware of with their hardware and customer support scares me. I mean, it all works now. But, what about that month it took to fix their problem? I'm a pro studio, so downtime is a Killer for me. On the upside, they're aware of this review and boy did they jump to fix this when it came out, lol!

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

@@onothingnesso7170 Just to add, I did not mention to them they I had a YT channel during this process. I wanted to see how a normal customer would get treated. It was frustrating for me, to be sure. But I never did play that card until this had dragged out for a month. Then I reviewed it. Then they helped me. I wish it wasn't this way, but that's how it happened.

[@uais99]

Hi, please do not consider me smart alec, but could a work around be a migration of you C: to a "larger" C: drive. Maybe NI simply "hard coded" the drive letter C: in their software istead of a variable string. And yes people don't like to be caught making mistakes so asking you for this desinstall-reinstall process keeps you away a few days. Regards, Anselm PS: And yes, for now I gave up my plan to purchase this keyboard ...

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Here's the funny part: I didn't even matter. On my system, I can install it wherever you want. I keep it on my E: drive. I have no idea why they even say the C: drive.

[@ScarrCrow]

try to unplug the device, deinstall the device under windows device manager as well as any other unused usb device, (made visible thru "actions -> see unplugged devices") and use a different usb slot directly in your computer. Dont use a hub with these kind of devices. There shouldn't be a hardware issue regarding this problem. it dose sound similar to the Abelton push 2 multiple instances issue.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Thanks. It totally works now, and I've updated the review. The issue was with their browser software, not my installation. They have since fixed it.

[@allnighter1970]

Clone your 4.5GB drive to C, shoulda done that from the getgo boss

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

It would have made zero difference, mate. Their claim that you need to use the C: drive was total BS the whole time.

[@HighlandStudio91]

I don't suppose the tech support department at Sweetwater, was of any assistance? Since you have an abundance of keyboard controllers,perhaps selling your NI keyboard privately might be in order,to recoop some of your money? Personally....I absolutely love Nektar controllers(particularly the GX/GXP series)....as installation and integration is absolutely seamless.The keybeds are of good quality for the modest price point and these keyboards have the basic essentials(i.e.,transport controls & basic programming buttons. I never did care for controllers that have all of those elaborate integration controls,as I am a simple musician with simple needs....give me a quality keybed,pitch & mod wheels and transport controls & I'll take care of the rest with my PC mouse & I'm happy!

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

I haven't tried tech at Sweetwater. So far, just the NI website, the NI forums, and NI customer support. One update, NI has finally agreed to a video call, but is offering it at 5am my time. I'm asking if they have any other times.

[@HighlandStudio91]

@@stevesrecordingtips7247 Yeah....5:00am is a rude awakening....but considering your investment & everything you've been through,I'd take it.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

@@HighlandStudio91 I'll ask them for a different time. That's the middle of the night for me.

[@mikehess8730]

Wow same thing so I bought bought cs 4oo 4u

[@97strat]

I can't believe they left you hanging like that! But the bottom line is that you, the customer, were left unsatisfied and without reasonable recourse. Not that long ago I worked in an IT shop and the customer service was exactly as you say. Loosely put, first level support was sort of like the busboys in a diner. 😎

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Aye. But a 2 terabyte reinstallation knocks the studio out of commission for a day and a half. So, even if there is a fix, I can't afford to take the studio offline again in the hopes they have a fix. My hope is, they'll just fix their software. It's unfair they put their problems onto other people.

[@yveslandry5020]

I purchased komplete s88 mk2 and for me it’s a desaster, the service is bad all is bad

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

I got mine sorted out. Took a long time, though.

[@yveslandry5020]

It’s not normal to take a lot of time, I supposed that was easy @@stevesrecordingtips7247

[@parzydlakgajusia1605]

You need MAC buddy, lol, my runs flawless ;o) PC, well, install cakewalk instead. Will work great! Good luck mr gates…

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Aye, this was found to affect Windows users only. However, do I need a Mac? I suppose as long as software companies put out software that has bugs in Windows, you may be right. But, I think half my stuff won't work on M1 without Rosetta, lol. So, pick your poison, i guess.

[@Judasz696]

U need to buy bigger c drive ;]

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Probably. But, this was eventually all fixed by putting NI's stuff on a different drive, and forcing the defective browser into a manual mode by their CS team. So, if they tell you it all needs to go on C: drive, they're lying and they know it, lol. There's an updated review, if you want to see how they fixed it. I upgraded their score to 2/5 stars.

[@SmallWorldBigThings]

Or map folders from other drives using symlink command from windows ;)

[@bunker8digitallabs]

This is an issue with the Komplete Kontrol instance you have, the plugin instance that you have for Kontakt and the software. This is why you are getting this issue. This has nothing to do with the controller itself. Your controller is not worthless, you are having software issues. You are misleading people with your video title. Load up Native Access on your machine, make sure you have the latest version of Komplete Kontrol installed and that you have updated all of the libraries associated with Komplete Kontrol. If all else fails, you can erase the Komplete Kontrol databases and rebuild the Komplete Kontrol setup. But do not tell people the hardware controller is useless, it is a software issue.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

The software is now fixed by a NI tech, so the second review went up immediately and there's even a link to the bottom of this video. And, since the hardware won't work without the software, the entire product failed until it finally got fixed by NI. I left this video up because I stand by the content.

[@bunker8digitallabs]

@@stevesrecordingtips7247 then change the name of your video. If the issue is fixed, change the name of your video. Also, the hardware DOES work without the Komplete Kontrol software installed. You can install the Komplete Kontrol drives and not the Komplete Kontrol software. So, you are wrong, fix the title and the content of your video.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

@@bunker8digitallabs When I have to put 27 studio hours into holding the hands of first-tier customer support, who made me uninstall and reinstall 2TB of data Four times, that exceeds the value of the keyboard. I absolutely have the right to consider my time as having value. And, when my time has exceeded the price of that keyboard, I can call it worthless. Also, they didn't bother to escalate my ticket until I made that video. So, they get to live with it. And, after they fixed Their problem, I put up an updated video and gave it 2/5 stars. I linked the updated review below this video. And that, my friend, was quite generous of me.

[@bunker8digitallabs]

@@stevesrecordingtips7247 it is unfortunate that the tech support you received did not lead to the correct outcome. I have been there myself. I was simply stating that it wasn’t the hardware, it was the software. That is where the difference lies.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

@@bunker8digitallabs And I replied that the hardware is toast when the software is flawed. It's like blaming a car on the tires, but there is only one type of tire that fits the car. That car is no good until they fix the tires.

[@JayfkProductions876]

Honestly i thought Komplete Kontrol to be an Absolutely PIECE OF SHIT software when I realised u can only load one instrument at a time 🤦‍♂️

[@skeller61]

It plays sample libraries, it’s not a DAW. You can load as many instruments through the NI plugins as your computer can handle. It’s similar to complaining that you can only do one calculation at a time on a calculator, when you have spreadsheets available. But, we all have our own understanding. Good luck!

[@BEASTBEATS700]

He is so right NativeInstruments don’t care and they won’t help u out at all but we spend all our money wit them

[@lowlowseesee]

lol @ people using PCs

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

Works in both directions, mate.

[@gsten2116]

You sound rather bitter. Did you attempt to return it? It is hardware.

[@stevesrecordingtips7247]

No, right after this video hit, I was immediately escalated to a functional support agent, and he fixed their problem quickly. There's an updated video linked below. I'm leaving this video up because I stand by what it contains.